Help Me Identify a Bird

Re: Help with ID needed

PoorMatty — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:53:14 GMT

Yeah, the first photo had me think twice on yellowthroat vs. chat too, but in the second picture, to me, it doesn't really look very much like a yellow-breasted chat at all.

Re: Help with ID needed

rorico — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:43:39 GMT

Thanks to all. The photos arre definitely of the same bird. Taken seconds apart.

Re: Help with ID needed

Cavan Wood — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:17:44 GMT

I see pink legs and a short tail, as well as brownish colours at the sides of the breast and browner rather than olive shades over the entire dorsal surface. The white around the eyes does not show up at all in the second photo (assuming same bird), so I think this might be a lighting/reflection issue. I think it's a common yellowthroat.

Scott

Re: Help with ID needed

birdbrain22 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:54:43 GMT

I have to agree as I first thought of YB chat youngster mostly due to the whitish around the eye.

Re: Help with ID needed

snowyowl — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:01:21 GMT

Several things bother me about calling this one a Common Yellowthroat. The bill is all wrong (too big) for a yellowthroat, and the yellow extends to far down on the breast and there is no demarcation. Also the first picture shows all that white around the eye. How about a fledgling Yellow-breasted Chat?

Re: Help with ID needed

rorico — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:34:29 GMT

Thanks. I didn't think Yellowthroat because it lacked the pronounced black mask. I didn't realize that females (and you are suggesting juv. males) do not have the dark face marking. Appreciated.

Re: Help with ID needed

PoorMatty — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:17:01 GMT

It's a common yellowthroat. I think maybe a juvenile male.

Re: Help with ID needed

rorico — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:07:02 GMT

2nd shot

Help with ID needed

rorico — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:06:32 GMT

Today in Central NY. It was haning out in low branches of bushes right off a trail. I thought it was a Hermit Thrush when I first saw it because I saw the tail only. The yellow breast throws me off. Thanks.